this a super cool collection. it is trilingual (zoque, spanish and english). i listened to the audiobook and went out and got the collection so i coulthis a super cool collection. it is trilingual (zoque, spanish and english). i listened to the audiobook and went out and got the collection so i could reread and then follow along. a really unique and informative reading experience. the seedbank series is about preserving knowledge and the audiobook and collection do exactly that. the zoque language is recorded in the audiobook, and the translations allows zoque knowledge to be shared with a broader audience....more
this novella is small but mighty. it covers so much in just over 100 pages. the unnamed narrator is a black british woman who works for a bank, generathis novella is small but mighty. it covers so much in just over 100 pages. the unnamed narrator is a black british woman who works for a bank, generally dissatisfied with the trajectory of her life. she feels the pressure of succeeding and gaining wealth because of the sacrifices her parents made for her to get where she is, but she constantly feels on the outside in her dating and work life. she always has to be an example for other women to aspire to, but then she is also constantly overlooked. her relationship with her white boyfriend just simply exists; she helps him look better socially (even if he doesn’t consciously date her because of this) and he sees a future with her, but she cannot relate to or ever see herself fitting into his posh family. “Assembly” also discusses colonialism on top of everything else (i mean, it does fit very well). so yes. small but mighty and thought-provoking. ...more
more or a 3.5 but i decided to round up instead of down because i deeply love the cover. it is actually very fitting.
this re-imagination of first conmore or a 3.5 but i decided to round up instead of down because i deeply love the cover. it is actually very fitting.
this re-imagination of first contact between Moctezuma and Cortés was inventive, playful and adds a humanity and greatness to the Mexica (Aztec) that most tellings of the Spanish conquest lack (or conveniently leave out). it’s been a long time since i read up on the history of this period, but i think that was actually for the best because it gave me less preconceived ideas about where this plot was going. if it is possible to decolonize a colonial narrative, i think Enrigue has succeeded in this. my only critiques are minor, such as that at times the plot meanders a bit too much for my taste in the post-nap section of the book.
edit to add some favorite quotes of mine:
“When somebody puts what's happening to us now in a book, he said, they'll think it's more chivalric romance bullshit.”
“Moctezuma sat up, clutching the quilt to his chest. He rubbed his face and reached out for the little bell again. He needed something sweet before he got out of bed.” (i too also desire sweet treats before i get out of bed, but since i am not Moctezuma i settle for getting them myself)
wow. the interweaving of narratives in this book was spectacular. nothing is mentioned without reason; it all comes back in unexpected and haunting wawow. the interweaving of narratives in this book was spectacular. nothing is mentioned without reason; it all comes back in unexpected and haunting ways. the line between myth and reality is very thin, just as your sanity would be after wandering in the desert (which happens to many characters in this book). i want more people i know to read this so i can discuss it with them. because boy. do i have theories and questions.
this book will make you uncomfortable at times, but to me it paid off. the fury in this book is the true curse that haunts not just one family or singular man, but those connected to them and it comes from the desert itself. i’d love to re-read this in a year or so because there are so many motifs and images repeated throughout. ...more
this was actually so cute and creative. the little guessing game as to where the cat was was a fun demonstration of cats’ super night vision abilitiesthis was actually so cute and creative. the little guessing game as to where the cat was was a fun demonstration of cats’ super night vision abilities. ...more
really a 3.5 but i always round up. some of these stories i really loved and some of them not so much. they were all intriguing and complement the othreally a 3.5 but i always round up. some of these stories i really loved and some of them not so much. they were all intriguing and complement the other collection of short stories i read recently that coincidentally also explores womanhood (surely has nothing to do with my reading preferences). even for the stories i didn’t love as much, they were all impactful and i find myself returning to them in my thoughts. what i enjoyed most about this collection was the very broad range in perspective and setting. ...more
a collection of short stories, all centered around Korean American characters. they cover a broad range of settings and themes but some recurring onesa collection of short stories, all centered around Korean American characters. they cover a broad range of settings and themes but some recurring ones that stuck out to me were grief and family dynamics (parents, marriage, children). some of the stories have speculative or almost fairy tale-like elements, such as talking dolls or advanced tech that can mainpulate memories. in each story the central character was either on the precipice of a big life change or having just experienced one, making each story very reflective and impactful. they are the perfect collection of short stories if you are looking for unique takes on old themes or when you are in a pensive mood. (i posted this on storygraph first) ...more
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